If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing weeknight main that’s keto-friendly and full of aromatic flavor, these baked chicken drumsticks with herbs deliver. Crispy skin, juicy meat, and a fragrant mix of rosemary, thyme, garlic and paprika make this a reliable recipe for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining. Below you’ll find a simple ingredient list, step-by-step method, helpful tips, and clear nutrition information — with carbs, fiber, sugar alcohols and net carbs spelled out for low‑carb and keto diners.

Why this recipe works

• Minimal ingredients and short hands-on time make it practical for busy nights.
• High fat and protein, very low net carbs — ideal for keto and low-carb diets.
• Versatile: swap herbs or add heat to suit your palate.

Ingredients (serves 6; 1 drumstick per serving)

• 6 chicken drumsticks (about 600 g total, skin-on)
• 1.5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (about 21 g)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 9 g)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary (crushed)
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
• 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-step method

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and place a wire rack on top if you have one (for extra-crispy skin).
2. Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels (dry skin crisps better).
3. In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Mix to form a paste.
4. Rub the herb mixture evenly over each drumstick, coating under the skin where possible.
5. Arrange drumsticks on the rack or baking sheet with some space between them.
6. Bake 30–40 minutes, turning once halfway through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you like extra-crispy skin, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch closely).
7. Rest 5 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve.

Tips for best results

• Dry the skin well and don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure crisping.
• For deeper flavor, marinate 1–4 hours in the fridge (not necessary but helpful).
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; drumsticks are forgiving but can dry out.
• To make skin extra-crispy, pat dry again before broiling at the end.

Variations

• Lemon-Herb: Increase lemon zest to 1 tsp and add 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (adds a tiny amount of carbs).
• Spicy: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne or 1 tsp chili powder.
• Garlic-Heavy: Increase to 4–5 cloves (adds a little more carbs but still keto-friendly).
• Herb swap: Use fresh rosemary and thyme (about 1 tbsp each, chopped) in place of dried.

Storage and reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in the fridge).
• Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through to keep skin crisp; microwaving will soften skin.

Nutrition (estimated per serving — 1 drumstick)
Note: Values are approximate, based on a recipe that yields 6 servings. Calculations use standard ingredient data; actual values will vary by drumstick size and exact ingredient brands.

• Calories: ~250 kcal
• Protein: ~18 g
• Total fat: ~19 g
• Total carbohydrates: ~1.0 g
• Dietary fiber: ~0.3 g
• Sugar alcohols: 0.0 g
• Net carbs: ~0.7 g (Total carbs 1.0 g − Fiber 0.3 g − Sugar alcohols 0 g ≈ 0.7 g)

Keto/Low-carb notes

• This recipe is very low in net carbs (well under 1 g per drumstick), making it an excellent match for keto and low-carb meal plans.
• Most of the carbohydrates here come from garlic and spices; herbs contribute a small amount of fiber that lowers the net carbs.
• Sugar alcohols are 0 g for this recipe.

Why net carbs matter
Net carbs = Total carbs − Fiber − Sugar alcohols. For most keto dieters, net carbs are the practical measure that affects ketosis. With ~0.7 g net carbs per drumstick, you can enjoy one or even two drumsticks within typical keto daily carb limits, depending on your other meals.

Final thoughts
These savory herb-infused baked chicken drumsticks combine simplicity and bold flavor while staying firmly keto-friendly. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a family, or making a low-carb dinner, this recipe is adaptable, dependable, and satisfying. Try the variations above to keep it fresh week to week.

If you’d like a printable recipe card, a shopping list, or a version scaled for 4 or 12 servings, tell me how many servings and any dietary preferences (e.g., dairy-free, no garlic) and I’ll customize it.